FRNSW specialists assist ACT firefighters

Published: 16th September 2011

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has deployed hazardous materials specialists and fire crews to the Canberra region this morning to assist ACT firefighters as they battle a major chemical fire in the city’s north.

FRNSW Acting Commissioner John Benson said he had been in constant contact with the ACT Chief Fire Officer since the early hours of this morning.

“Fire and Rescue NSW has offered ACT firefighters any assistance they may require from us for this major operation,” Acting Commissioner Benson said.

“So far we have deployed a hazmat (hazardous materials) crew from Goulburn and provided the support of a specialist hazmat officer who was, coincidentally, in Canberra for a meeting.

“At 9am FRNSW deployed an additional five hazmat officers and specialist detection equipment to Canberra by FireAir1.

“FRNSW has also sent two Sydney-based fire engines and crews to stand by at Queanbeyan Fire Station as a precautionary measure.